On‐line analysis of avermectin fermentation cell growth kinetics in an industrial pilot plant

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Experimental data are presented which show that on‐line calculation of oxygen uptake rate can be used to estimate the cell concentration of Streptomyces avermitilis during the active growth phase of this fermentation. Moreover, by dividing the oxygen uptake rate by the total oxygen consumed, an on‐line estimate of specific growth rate of this culture can be generated. A theoretical basis is provided for this model. Use of a mass spectrometer for vent gas analysis coupled with computer data acquisition has made this information both very accurate and readily available. Examples are given which illustrate the kinetics of the avermectin fermentation as well as the effect of a temperature shift on the specific growth rate.